Adult High School Diploma

Adults 16 years and older who have not completed high school, who need to brush up on reading, writing, or math skills for further education/training, and/or who are not native English speakers/writers are eligible.

In keeping with the college's mission, the Department of Adult Education and Literacy (DAEL) provides the tools, resources, instruction, and support necessary for students in the JJC community to achieve their individual, academic, and employment goals. Programs and services include:

High School Equivalency (GED, HiSET, TASC) preparation, and i-Pathways

High School Credit, Early School Leavers Transition Program

Basic skills review

College, academic, and career transition services and advising

English as a Second Language, and citizenship preparation

Literacy tutoring, volunteer literacy tutor training

The Joliet Junior College Department of Adult Education and Literacy can open the doors to a brighter future for you and your family with programs designed to meet your needs.

Register for High School Equivalency/GED orientation or an ESL orientation by using the Register Now button

High School Equivalency/GED students must provide a photo ID. Examples of acceptable forms of ID include driver's license, high school, Sam's Club, Costo, etc. ID must include photo and name.

Programs & Services

The High School Equivalency (HSE) program provides classes that will prepare students to take their High School Equivalency test (GED, HiSET or TASC).

Program Information

Classes range from basic skill development to secondary courses and are formatted to meet the unique needs of each student. Course subjects include English (Reading & Writing), Math, Science, and Social Studies. Classes include college and career preparation, time management, study, and organizational skills. Morning and evening classes are available at all JJC campuses and various sites throughout the JJC community. Courses help students review skills in preparation for job qualification, testing, and college level placement. Transition assistance is provided for students preparing for college classes, certifications, academic bridges and job training. Free tutors are provided to students.

Who Can Attend?

Any adult, ages 16 and older, who is not enrolled in or attending high school may enroll in our Basic Skills or High School Equivalency (HSE)/GED/TASC/HiSET program. There is no cost to attend this program.

How to Participate

All students must complete an orientation and placement session. To schedule an orientation session date and time (approx. 3.5 hours), contact the Department of Adult Education and Literacy office in any of the ways listed below. The orientation session includes placement testing, goal setting, and registration. Following the orientation and placement session you will select the class time and location that meets your schedule.

Phone: 815.280.1334 or 815.280.1325

Online - click on "Register Now"

Visit us: 235 N. Chicago Street, Joliet, Suite 3019

Pathways

Pathways is an internet-based instructional program that may be combined with traditional classroom instruction or used as a stand-alone option to help prepare students for any of the high school equivalency tests (GED, HiSET, or TASC). Enrollment into I-Pathways is done through the classroom teacher. The I-Pathways program can be accessed via any device connected to the internet, and is an excellent option for students who want additional options for out-of-classroom studies or do not have easy access to the classroom. The benefits of I-Pathways are best reached when used as an augmentation to classroom instruction.

Highlights

We help transition English as a Second Language (ESL) students into High School Equivalency test preparation classes.

Students with high school diplomas or High School Equivalency diplomas take our classes to prepare for college-level class enrollment.

We individualize instruction based on the unique needs of each student.

How do I Take the Test?

To earn the High School Equivalency, a student must take a series of tests from one of the accredited testing companies; GED, HiSET, or TASC. All three companies provide the same HSE diploma and are equally recognized by employers and higher education institutions. Students need to research all three companies and decide which one will better meet his/her needs by accessing the following sites:

Joliet Junior College DAEL is proud to offer a high school diploma program for students who qualify.

Our two programs, High School Credit and Early School Leavers Transition Program, permit us to provide a pathway for all students, who meet program qualifications, to earn their high school diploma and successfully transition into employment, continuing education, military service, or an internship/apprenticeship program.

Our two independent study, open enrollment programs, are designed for students to:

Earn their required high school credits

Complete a career exploration and employment readiness course, and

Plan their successful transition into employment, a continuing education program, active or reserve military service, or into an internship or apprenticeship program.

We are honored to continue our partnership with both in and out of district high schools. Since some schools send dozens of students, some very few, our goal is to provide access to all of our available academic programs for all qualifying students.

Who We Serve

Our program is open to all students who are seeking to obtain their high school diploma.

The first step to program admittance is contacting your current or former high school about their diploma guidelines. Each school district determines student eligibility.

The fundamental qualification for students entering our program is an agreement from the student’s home high school. The high school must agree to accept the credits earned through the program and then agree to issue the diploma upon successful completion of all requirements.

*Our program has general guidelines imposed by the ICCB that we must follow:*

All students must be at least age 16.

All Students must have a current drop letter from their high school before they can apply for the diploma program.

Either the student's current "home high school" (high school in the district where you now reside) or the original high school must agree to issue their diploma upon successful completion of the program.

Students must attend a Testing and Orientation session to register for the course.

Students must complete the requirements as listed on their “Joint Agreement” as provided by the home high school.

Requirements may include academic credits, community service hours, the IL and US Constitution test, etc.

We offer a full battery of high school classes.

Our program focuses on being both Goal Directed, and Guided by Student Performance.

Our program adapts well to students with an IEP/504.

Our program includes provisions for students who are on court supervision.

One Program - Three Components

The High School Credit and Early School Leavers Transition Program consists of three required components which the student must complete in order to earn their diploma. Upon completing the testing and orientation, the student will be enrolled in the High School Credit and Job Skill Classes.

While enrolled in these courses the student must complete two Career/Educational Transitional Guidance Meetings with our Transition Specialist. Additionally, the student will complete a minimum of fifteen hours of Career Exploration Experience activities.

High School Credit:

Academic credit recovery course

Supervised independent study with Certified high school teachers

Professional tutoring available on multiple campuses

Students will attend one day (Mon-Thurs) or two nights (Mon & Tues) per week

Job Skills:

Essential class for our student population

Curriculum focuses on job training and employment success

Mock interviews and resume building

Students will attend one day (Mon-Thurs) or two nights (Mon & Tues) per week

Career/Educational Transition Guidance:

Students will meet with our Transition Specialist a minimum of two times prior to completing our program and earning their diploma

Meetings will focus on assisting the student developing a plan for their next steps after earning your diploma

The English as a Second Language program assists individuals who need to improve their English skills for academic, professional, or personal purposes. Classes in Citizenship/Naturalization Preparation are also available.

ESL classes are designed for all non-native English speaking adults. Classes are held at a variety of sites within our district in communities such as: Bolingbrook, Morris, Romeoville, Plainfield and Joliet. To accommodate our students, classes are held in the morning, evenings and on Saturdays. Six levels of instruction (beginning through advanced) are offered. Students are placed according to levels via standardized testing. Instruction is offered 4-12 hours per week. Integrated skill modules focus on listening, speaking/pronunciation, reading/vocabulary, and writing/grammar. Instruction is sequenced to develop communication skills necessary to meet basic, intermediate, and advance levels of English acquisition.

Program Objectives

Advance through six levels of structured English classes

Listen to oral English and understand the meaning

Speak and respond appropriately in English

Read and comprehend materials written in English

Write in clear, concise, acceptable, English

Class Levels

Beginning ESL (Levels 1 and 2)

Intermediate ESL (Levels 3 and 4)

Advanced ESL (Levels 5 and 6)

Citizenship Training

These classes are designed for non-native English speakers who are interested in becoming United States citizens. Adult learners are taught U.S. History, Civics, the U.S. Constitution and the N400 application. Students also receive instruction on how to answer oral questions, how to pass the written test and participate in mock interviews. Citizenship classes and materials are free to district residents.

Additional Services

Computer classes for second language learners

Civics classes for second language adult learners

College Transition Assistance

Academic and Career Advising

Adult Volunteer Literacy Tutoring

Career/Employment Readiness Skills

Special Learning Needs Assessments & Accommodations

Childcare (at select site[s])

Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education

The English Literacy and Civics Project provides an integrated program of services that incorporates English Literacy and civics education to help immigrants and other limited English proficient populations to effectively participate in the education, work, and civic opportunities of the United States of America.

Contact Information

Over 2 million Illinois adults have poor skills in reading, writing, math or English proficiency, and the Adult Volunteer Literacy program is one of many put in place to provide basic adult literacy instruction. If you feel that your reading, writing, math or English skills have kept you from fully sharing in your family, work and community, you may be able to participate in free tutoring.

The Adult Volunteer Literacy Program offers free tutoring for Reading, Math, and English Literacy. Adults receive volunteer tutoring at local libraries, JJC Campuses, and community sites throughout the JJC district. Learners meet weekly with certified volunteer tutors for up to two hours; and sessions are available morning, afternoon or evenings to meet learner and volunteer needs. Instruction is learner-focused with materials provided.

Do You Need Literacy Tutoring?

Close to 4 million Illinois adults have poor skills in reading, writing, math or English proficiency, and the Adult Volunteer Literacy program is one of many put in place to provide basic adult literacy instruction. If you are at least 16 years of age and have reading or math skills that meet the requirements, you may be able to have one-on-one or group tutoring to increase your skills.

If you feel that your reading, writing, math or English skills have kept you from fully sharing in your family, work and community, you may be able to participate in free tutoring. If you would like to request tutoring, complete the student portion of the Literacy Tutor form and contact Mandy Dwyer at (815) 280-1331 or mdwyer@jjc.edu for more information.

Volunteer as a Literacy Tutor!

We need tutors who are willing to share their experience and help individuals in our community. If you have at least a high school diploma or GED, you can not only assist people who are trying to improve their math or reading literacy, but also add to your own skills with a valuable experience for your resume.

Volunteer Literacy Tutors help Illinois adults who read below the ninth grade level or speak English at a beginning level to improve their reading, writing, math or their use of English as a new language. Volunteers participate in 15 hours of training prior to tutoring and receive a certificate confirming their participation.

Contact Information

The College/Career Transition Services program has trained advisors available to assist eligible students with making the transition from adult education classes to college-level courses and programs.

Transition Services

Students enrolled or previously enrolled in JJC's High School Equivalency (HSE), GED, HiSET, TASC, English as a Second Language (ESL) or adult high school courses are encouraged to schedule an appointment to meet with a College and Career Transition Advisor who can help them take the next step in their future.